World’s first four-seat electric aircraft makes inaugural demo flight
April 21, 2025
The world’s first certified Part-23, four-seat electric aircraft – the RX4E – is the fourth and largest member of a fully-electric family of light aircraft, developed by China’s Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA) and commercial distribution partner Volar Air Mobility. Its first two-seat RX1E-A secured type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in 2018, while its seaplane variant gained (RX1E-S) gained regulatory approval in 2021.
With the RX4E attracting much attention from its stand in Aero Friedrichshafen’s dedicated electric flight hall, its participation in the public flying display marked a milestone for the type ahead of its commercialisation in China later this year. Elaborating on the decision to make the first public demonstration flight here in Germany, Volar Air Mobility co-founder Weng Siang Koh described the event as “a much more meaningful place for general aviation”.
“The RX4E’s recognition at Aero Friedrichshafen further solidifies Volar Air Mobility’s commitment to shaping the future of aviation with groundbreaking, environmentally friendly technologies,” continued Volar Air Mobility. “This esteemed recognition celebrates the significant achievements in electric aviation and highlights the innovative spirit driving the future of sustainable air mobility”.
Featuring Garmin G500 avionics, a US propeller, Slovenian electric motor and a domestically-manufactured composite body and battery pack, the RX4E has accumulated some 1,200 flying hours to date since its first flight in October 2019. It received type certification in late December 2024.
Volar Air Mobility’s intention is to deploy the four-seat aircraft as a regional air taxi; moving away from the traditional GA market served by the two-seat variant (which received CAAC certification in 2015). A four-seat seaplane version is already under development, as is a four-seat hydrogen prototype, both of which made their first flights last year.
In the near-term, however, a key first use case for the RX4E will be flying training institutions, building the type’s hours ahead of further commercial use cases. Initial foreign markets are likely to be south-east Asia, specifically Indonesia, where its STOL capabilities will prove especially useful in connecting rural communities – with the aircraft to be used for governmental provision of essential services such as medical supplies. With the provision for a large battery compartment in the rear of the aircraft, the RX4E’s strategy of swapping batteries in as little as three minutes negates the need for complex charging infrastructure on-site as well as saving time between missions.
Following Indonesian certification, the Middle East and Africa also represent near-term certification possibilities, with Volar also citing “full government support” from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Having proved the type’s safety in service, EASA and FAA certification is also planned. Production of the RX4E is targeted at 30 units within the first year of manufacture, rising to between 500-1,000 in five years.
The 2024 Aero Friedrichshafen e-Flight award was won by US company Pivotal, which is currently developing a single-seat personal air mobility platform Blackfly.
